About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.

Job Overview
Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Senior Optical Engineer to play a pivotal role in the design, development, and implementation of advanced optical diagnostic systems. In this role, you will work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to create cutting-edge solutions that measure and analyze dynamic processes within fusion systems. Your expertise will directly contribute to achieving net facility gain and advancing next-generation fusion system development, including its supporting infrastructure and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced optical diagnostic systems for fusion applications, focusing on design, implementation, and calibration.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, physicists, and researchers to define system requirements and ensure seamless integration of optical diagnostics.

• Design and implement optical systems for laser-based diagnostics, interferometry, and high-speed imaging technologies.

• Calibrate and refine optical diagnostics to measure temperature, density, and plasma behavior under extreme fusion conditions.

• Select, design, and test optical components, including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and fiber optics, ensuring system performance and reliability.

• Ensure optical systems are robust and resilient in fusion environments, addressing challenges such as high radiation and thermal stress.

• Conduct simulations and performance analyses to optimize optical systems using tools like Zemax or COMSOL.

• Integrate optical diagnostic tools with data acquisition and processing systems to ensure accurate and actionable data.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including system specifications, test reports, and calibration procedures.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers or team members as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degrees preferred.

• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying optical diagnostic systems, particularly in high-energy physics or fusion research environments.

• Strong expertise in optical system design, including lasers, interferometers, and high-speed imaging technologies.

• Proficiency in optical alignment, calibration, and testing methodologies.

• Familiarity with optical simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent software.

• Demonstrated experience integrating optical diagnostics into complex, multidisciplinary systems.

• Knowledge of radiation-hardening techniques and optical materials designed for extreme environments.

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX CAD) for designing optical components and ensuring system integration.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on iterative design and rapid prototyping.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits:

• Industry-competitive salary

• Equity plan

• 6% employer 401k matching

• Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.